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While the Nintendo switch not new anymore, buying one might be a smarter decision than trying to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X right now. Admitting that getting the next-gen PlayStation or Xbox is hard to come by. But even if you have the opportunity, you may want to reconsider.
Spending your money on tracking your current console of choice seems like a no-brainer. But what do you really want from a new console? I would say that some of the best things about using a new console are not really present on the new PlayStation or Xbox.
Nintendo Switch: what I love
For example, take the game library. Most of the games that you can play on PS5 and Series X are the same that you can currently play on PS4 and Xbox One. Also, the platform’s few exclusives may not be as inspiring for you. Meanwhile, on Switch, there are over three years of releases to explore.
The variety of games available is a credit to Nintendo. Naturally, your thoughts may gravitate towards Mario, Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros, Legend of Zelda, and the like. These high-quality franchises are good reasons to buy a Nintendo console. However, you’ll also find a surprising number of great third-party games on Switch. Highlights include Condemn and The witcher 3as well as one of the best independent game libraries outside of the PC. All of the next-gen exclusives on PS5 and Xbox Series X are firmly big-budget affairs, and many of them are remakes or sequels. I don’t blame you if these lineups have left you cold.
While it’s nice to go after higher frame rates and prettier graphics, these don’t guarantee you’ll have fun with a game.
In terms of hardware, the Switch also has some key advantages. Of course, compare the TFLOPs and maximum resolution output, and laugh at the meager GPU inside the Switch. But while it’s nice to go after higher frame rates and prettier graphics, these don’t guarantee you’ll have fun with a game. And if graphics are your priority, you’re probably better looking for a gaming PC rather than a console.
Then there’s the fact that the Switch’s less powerful hardware allows it to be portable – easily its standout feature. I would never have thought of this before buying my own Switch, but having access to a fully-equipped console anywhere is a luxury that can’t be overstated. Even if you’re locked in right now to prevent the spread of you-know-what, having the freedom to play somewhere other than my desk helps keep the mental division between work and family life from falling apart.
You can also try the versatile Joy-Cons. These controllers have built-in accelerometers and gyros, while still functioning similar to a traditional gamepad. You can still play games normally, but also try less traditional motion control experiences. You also won’t need additional peripherals, such as an expensive Virtual reality headset. I feel like the Joy-Cons are more comfortable to use than a normal gamepad as you can use both halves apart, with your arms relaxed at the sides. This may not be a common way to play, but it is certainly how I like to use them.
Nintendo Switch: what I don’t love
However, let’s be honest about where the Switch is hopelessly weak. The multiplayer and online functionality is, to put it bluntly, a disaster. Some games require Nintendo’s Switch Online subscription service for online multiplayer, but others allow you to play over the internet for free. To activate voice chat, you have to use an app on your smartphone, a device that does enough without having to also be a gaming peripheral. This doesn’t bother me as I am a lonely gamer most of the time. But opting for a Switch is probably a bad idea if you’re a dedicated Call of Duty, Fortnite, or similar gamer.
In Nintendo’s defense, the Switch is probably the best console for local multiplayer, considering that the Joy-Cons can be used as two separate gamepads. Up to eight Switches with four players each can also work together in the same space. Do you want a second controller for your Xbox or PS5? That’s another $ 70. And good luck putting together enough screens and consoles in one space for a 32-person PS5 / Series X local multiplayer session without hiring a community room.
The Switch’s internal storage is smaller and slower than what you get with Sony and Microsoft consoles. You get 825GB of SSD space on the PS5 and a 1TB SSD on the Xbox. The Switch has only 32GB of memory. However, Switch games take up less space as a rule thanks to lower graphical fidelity. And if you run out of space, at least you can easily expand the Switch’s memory with any microSD card. Compare and contrast with the expensive proprietary SSDs that you will need to add more space to the Xbox or PS5.
I think even the most dedicated PlayStation or Xbox fan has some good reasons to make the switch to a Switch, even once the next big wave of PS5 and Series X stock hits. Of course, your decision depends on why you enjoy. Playing. If you like graphical fidelity, robust multiplayer, or are a dedicated fan of an exclusive franchise, you might not want a Switch. But if different types of games – and access to them outside of your living room – appeal to you more, maybe you should consider Nintendo’s hybrid console rather than the newer machines from Microsoft and Sony.
